Wireless interactive headset

ABSTRACT

A wearable audio device in the form of eyeglasses includes actuators disposed the ear stems. The actuators, which can be in the form of buttons, and/or the ear stems, are configured to enhance the comfort of the users. For example, the buttons can be disposed on the upper surface of the ear stems with the lower surface having an enlarged surface so as to allow the user to pinch the ear stem to thereby counter-balance the actuation force used to depress the button.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/628,789, filed Jul. 28, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No.7,216,973, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) fromU.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/399,317, filed Jul. 26, 2002, and60/460,154 filed Apr. 3, 2003, the contents of all of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present inventions are directed to portable and light-weight digitalstorage and playback devices, and in particular, MP3 players that areintegrated into eyeglasses.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are numerous situations in which it is convenient and preferableto mount audio output devices so that they can be worn on the head of auser. Such devices can be used for portable entertainment, personalcommunications, and the like. For example, these devices could be usedin conjunction with cellular telephones, cordless telephones, radios,tape players, MP3 players, portable video systems, hand-held computersand laptop computers.

The audio output of many of these systems is typically directed to thewearer through the use of transducers physically positioned in orcovering the ear, such as earphones and headphones. Earphones andheadphones, however, are often uncomfortable to use for long periods oftime. Additionally, an unbalanced load, when applied for a long periodof time, can cause muscular pain and/or headaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of at least of the inventions disclosed herein includes therealization that certain electronic components can be incorporated intoeyeglasses with certain features so as to reduce the total weight of theeyeglasses to a weight that is comfortable for a wearer. Furtheradvantages can be achieved by grouping the electronic components so asto provide balance in the eyeglass.

Thus, in accordance with another aspect of at least one of theinventions disclosed herein, an eyeglass comprises a frame definingfirst and second orbitals. First and second lenses are disposed in thefirst and second orbitals, respectively. First and second ear stemsextend rearwardly from the frame. A compressed audio file storage andplayback device is disposed in the first ear stem. A power storagedevice disposed in the second ear stem. First and second speakers areconnected to the first and second ear stems, respectively, the speakersare configured to be alignable with an auditory canal of a wearer of theeyeglass.

A further aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed hereinincludes the realization that the forward to rearward spacing of thebridge of a human nose to the auditory canal of the ear falls into arelatively narrow range of distances for large portions of thepopulation. For example, it has been found that to accommodate a largeproportion of the human population, the forward-to-rearwardadjustability of the speaker is preferably sufficient to accommodate avariation in spacing from the bridge of the nose to the auditory canalof from at least about 4⅞ inches to about 5⅛ inches. In alternateimplementations of the invention, anterior-posterior plane adjustabilityin the ranges of from about 4¾ inches to 5¼ inches, or from about 4⅝inches to about 5⅜ inches from the posterior surface of the nose bridgeto the center of the speaker is provided.

Thus, in accordance with yet another aspect of at least one of theinventions disclosed herein, an eyeglass comprises a frame definingfirst and second orbitals. First and second lenses are disposed in thefirst and second orbitals, respectively. First and second ear stemsextend rearwardly from the frame. First and second speakers are mountedto the first and second ear stems, respectively, so as to betranslatable in a forward to rearward direction generally parallel tothe ear stems over a first range of motion. At least one of the size ofthe speakers and the first range of motion being configured so as toprovide an effective range of coverage of about 1¼ inches.

An aspect of another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosedherein includes the realization that where an electronic device that isworn in the same manner as a pair of eyeglasses includes a user operableswitch for controlling a function of the electronics, the comfort of thewearer of the audio device can be enhanced where the switches areoperable without transferring a substantial load to the head of thewearer. For example, where the electronic device includes buttons forcontrolling an aspect of the device, a further advantage is providedwhere a support surface is provided opposite the button such that a usercan apply a balancing force to the actuation force applied to thebutton, thereby preventing a substantial force from being transferred tothe head of the wearer.

Thus, in accordance with a further aspect of at least one of theinventions disclosed herein, an eyeglass comprises a frame definingfirst and second orbitals. First and second lenses are disposed in thefirst and second orbitals, respectively. First and second ear stemsextend rearwardly from the frame. The first ear stem comprises an uppersurface facing a first direction and includes an aperture. A firstbutton extends from the aperture. A lower surface is below the uppersurface and faces a second direction generally opposite the firstdirection, the lower surface having a width of at least one-quarter ofan inch.

Further features and advantages of the present inventions will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art in view of the detaileddescription of preferred embodiments which follows, when consideredtogether with the attached drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a front elevational view of awearable audio device supported by a human head.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the audio device illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front, left side, and top perspective view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a schematic top plan view of the audio device of FIG. 3Abeing worn on the head of a user.

FIG. 3D is a front, top, and left side perspective view of anothermodification of the wearable audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and3A-C.

FIG. 3E is a rear, top and right side perspective view of the wearableaudio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3F is a right side elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3G is a left side elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3H is a front elevational view of the wearable audio deviceillustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3I is a top plan view of the wearable audio device illustrated inFIG. 3D.

FIG. 3J is a front, top, and left side perspective and exploded view ofthe wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3K is an enlarged left side elevational view of one of the speakersof the audio device illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3L is an enlarged front elevational view of the speaker illustratedin FIG. 3K.

FIG. 3M is a schematic illustration of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 3D.

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of a rear and left sideperspective view of a further modification of the wearable audio devicesillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-J.

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of a partial sectional and leftside elevational view of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG.4A being worn a human.

FIG. 5A is a partial sectional and side elevational view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a partial sectional and side elevational view of amodification of the wearable audio device illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of a modification of the audiodevice illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 being worn on the head of a user.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a front elevational view of afurther modification of the audio device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2being worn by a wearer and interacting with source electronics.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged schematic representation of a front elevationalview of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9B is a schematic representation of a left side elevational view ofthe audio device illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a schematic left side elevational view of a modification ofthe audio device illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9A, B.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the audio device illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a partial cross-sectional viewof a portion of any of the audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a partial cross-sectional viewof a modification of the portion illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of a modification of the audiodevices illustrated in FIGS. 8-12.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the audio device illustrated inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of communication hardware which canbe incorporated into any of the wearable audio device as illustrated inFIGS. 1-16 and the communication hardware of another device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation showing three output signals, theuppermost signal being the output of a source device, and the lowersignals being the representation of the output of an encoder/decoderdevice illustrated in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the decoder illustrated in FIG.17.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a modification of the decoderillustrated in FIG. 19, which can be incorporated into any of thewearable audio devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an audio device 10 includes a support12 and left and right speakers 14, 16.

The audio device 12 is illustrated as being supported on the head 18 ofa human. The head 18 includes a nose 19, and left and right ears 20, 22.The schematic representation of human ears 20 and 22 are intended torepresent the tissue forming the “pinna” of a human ear. With referenceto FIG. 2, the meatus of the external auditory canal 24 is illustratedschematically as a circle (in phantom) generally at the center of theleft ear 20.

The support 12 is configured to be supported by the head 18. Thus, thesupport 12 can be in the form of any known headwear. For example, butwithout limitation, the support 12 can be in the form of a hat,sweatband, tiara, helmet, headphones, and eyeglasses.

Advantageously, the support 12 is configured to support the speakers 14,16 at a position juxtaposed to the ears 20, 22, respectively, withoutapplying a force against the ears 20, 22 sufficient for anchoring thespeakers 14, 16 in place. Thus, the support 12 contacts the head 18 at aposition other than the outer surface of the ears 20, 22. As shown inFIG. 1, the support 12 is supported by the head 18 by a support portion26 which contacts a portion of the head 18 other than the outer surfaceof the ears 20, 22. For example, but without limitation, the support 26can contact the top of the head 18, the sides of the head, top of thenose 19, forehead, occipital lobe, etc.

The audio device 10 also includes support members 28, 30 which extendfrom the support 12 to the speakers 14, 16, respectively. The supportmembers 28, 30 are provided with sufficient strength to maintain theposition of the speakers 14, 16 such that the speakers 14, 16 are spacedfrom the outer surface of the ears 20, 22.

Optionally, the support members 28, 30 can be made from a flexiblematerial configured to allow the speakers 14, 16 to be moved toward andaway from the ears 20, 22, respectively. Alternatively, the supportmembers 28, 30 can be mounted relative to the support 12 with amechanical device configured to allow the speakers 14, 16 to be movedtoward and away from the ears 20, 22 respectively. The same mechanicaldevice or an additional mechanical device can also optionally beconfigured to allow the speakers 14, 16 and/or supports 28, 30 to betranslated forward and rearwardly relative to the support 12. Further,such mechanical devices can be used in conjunction with the flexibilityprovided to the support members 28, 30 from a flexible material notedabove. As such, the user can adjust the spacing between the speakers 14,16 and the ears 20, 22 to provide the desired spacing.

As noted above, the speakers 14, 16 are spaced from the ears 20, 22 suchthat the speakers 14, 16 do not engage the outer surface of the ears 20,22 with sufficient force to provide an anchoring effect for the speakers14, 16. Thus, the speakers 14, 16 can make contact with the ears 20, 22,at a pressure less than that sufficient to cause discomfort to the user.

Comfort of the user is further enhanced if the support 12 is configuredto maintain gaps 32, 34 between the speakers 14, 16 and the ears 20, 22,respectively. As such, the chance of irritation to the user's ears 20,22 is eliminated. Preferably, the gaps 32, 34 are within the range fromabout 2 mm to about 3 cm. The gaps 32, 34 can be measured from the innersurface of the speakers 14, 16 and the outer surface of the tragus(small projection along the front edge of a human ear which partiallyoverlies the meatus of the external auditory canal 24) (FIG. 2).

Such a spacing can allow the support 12 to be removed and replaced ontothe head 18 of the user without rubbing against the ears 20, 22. Thismakes the audio device 10 more convenient to use.

A modification of the audio device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3A, andreferred to generally by the reference numeral 10A. Components of theaudio device 10A that are the same as the audio device 10 have beengiven the same reference numeral, except that a letter “A” has beenadded thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment of the audio device 10A, the support 12Ais in the form of an eyeglass 40. The eyeglass 40 comprises a frame 42which supports left and right lenses 44, 46. Although the present audiodevice 10A will be described with reference to a dual lens eyeglass, itis to be understood that the methods and principles discussed herein arereadily applicable to the production of frames for unitary lens eyeglasssystems and protective goggle systems as well. Further, the lenses 44,46 can be completely omitted. Optionally, at least one of the lenses 44,46 can be in the form of a view finder or a video display unitconfigured to be viewable by a wearer of the support 12A.

Preferably, the lenses 44, 46 are configured to provide variable lightattenuation. For example, each of the lenses 44, 46 can comprise a pairof stacked polarized lenses, with one of the pair being rotatablerelative to the other. For example, each lens of the stacked pairs cancomprise an iodine stained polarizing element. By rotating one lensrelative to the other, the alignment of the polar directions of thelenses changes, thereby changing the amount of light that can passthrough the pair. U.S. Pat. No. 2,237,567 discloses iodine stainedpolarizers and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.Additionally, rotatable lens designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,149,780, which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, the lenses 44, 46, can comprise photochromic compositionsthat darken in bright light and fade in lower light environments. Suchcompositions can include, for example, but without limitation, silver,copper, and cadmium halides. Photochromic compounds for lenses aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,312,811, 5,658,502, 4,537,612, each ofwhich are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

More preferably, the lenses 44, 46 comprise a dichroic dye guest-hostdevice configured to provide variable light attenuation. For example,the lenses 44, 46 can comprise spaced substrates coated with aconducting layer, an alignment layer, and preferably a passivationlayer. Disposed between the substrates is a guest-host solution whichcomprises a host material and a light-absorbing dichroic dye guest. Apower circuit (not shown) can be supported by the frame 42. The powercircuit is provided with a power supply connected to the conductinglayers. Adjustment of the power supply alters the orientation of thehost material which in turn alters the orientation of the dichroic dye.Light is absorbed by the dichroic dye, depending upon its orientation,and thus provides variable light attenuation. Such a dichroic dyeguest-host device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,778, which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference.

The frame 42 also comprises left and right orbitals 48, 50 forsupporting the left and right lenses 44, 46, respectively. Although thepresent inventions will be described in the context of a pair oforbitals 48, 50 which surround the respective lenses 44, 46, theprinciples of the present inventions also apply to eyeglass systems inwhich the frame only partially surrounds the lens or lenses, or contactsonly one edge or a portion of one edge of the lens or each lens as well.In the illustrated embodiment, the orbitals 48, 50 are connected by abridge portion 52.

The eyeglass 40 is also provided with a pair of generally rearwardlyextending ear stems 54, 56 configured to retain the eyeglass 40 on thehead of a wearer. In addition, an open region 58 is configured toreceive the nose of the wearer, as is understood in the art. The openregion 58 may optionally be provided with a nose piece, either connectedto the lens orbitals 48, 50, or the bridge 52, or directly to thelenses, depending on the particular embodiment. Alternatively, the nosepiece may be formed by appropriately sculpting the medial edges of theorbitals 48, 50 and the lower edge of the bridge 52, as in theillustrated embodiment.

The frame 42 and the ear stems 54, 56 can be made from any appropriatematerial, including polymers and metals. Preferably, the frame 42 andthe ear stems 54, 56 are manufactured from a polymer. The orbitals 48,50 can be separately formed and assembled later with a separatelymanufactured bridge 52, or the orbitals 48, 50 and bridge 52 can beintegrally molded or cast. When a metal material is used, casting theeyeglass components directly into the final configuration desirablyeliminates the need to bend metal parts.

The ear stems 54, 56 are pivotally connected to the frame 42 with hinges60, 62. Additionally, the ear stems 54, 56 preferably include paddedportions 64, 66, respectively. The padded portions preferably comprise afoam, rubber, or other soft material for enhancing comfort for a wearer.The padded portions 64, 66 preferably are positioned such that when theaudio device 10A is worn by a wearer, the padded portions 64, 66 liebetween the side of the user's head and the superior crux and/or upperportion of the helix of the wearer's ears.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support members 28A, 30A are in theform of support arms 68, 70 extending downwardly from the ear stems 54,56, respectively. As such, the speakers 14A, 16A can be preciselypositioned relative to the ears 20, 22 (FIG. 1) of a wearer's head 18.In particular, because the eyeglass 40 is generally supported at threepositions, the alignment of the speakers 14A, 16A with the ears 20, 22can be reliably repeated. In particular, the eyeglass 40 is supported atthe left ear stem in the vicinity of the left ear 20, at the bridge 52by a portion of the user's head in the vicinity of the nose 19, and atthe right ear stem 56 by a portion of the user's head 18 in the vicinityof the ear 22.

Optionally, the support arms 68, 70 can be flexible. Thus, users canadjust the spacing 32, 34 between the speakers 14A, 16A and the ears 20,22, respectively. Once a wearer adjusts the spacing of the speakers 14A,16A from the ears 20, 22, respectively, the spacing will be preservedeach time the wearer puts on or removes the eyeglass 40.

Further, the support arms 68, 70 can be attached to the ear stems 54,56, respectively, with mechanical devices (not shown) configured toallow the support arms 68, 70 to be adjustable. For example, such amechanical device can allow the support arms 68, 70 to be pivoted,rotated, and/or translated so as to adjust a spacing between thespeakers 14A, 16A and the ears 20, 22. The same mechanical devices orother mechanical devices can be configured to allow the support arm 68,70 to be pivoted, rotated, and/or translated to adjust a forward torearward alignment of the speakers 14A, 16A and the ears 20, 22,respectively. Such mechanical devices are described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 3D-J.

With the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, the audio device 10A maintainsthe speakers 14A, 16A in a juxtaposed position relative to the ears 20,22, respectively, and spaced therefrom. Thus, the user is not likely toexperience discomfort from wearing and using the audio device 10A.

Preferably, the support arms 68, 70 are raked rearwardly along the earstems 54, 56, respectively. As such, the support arms 68, 70 bettercooperate with the shape of the human ear. For example, the helix andthe lobe of the human ear are generally raised and extend outwardly fromthe side of a human head. The helix extends generally from an upperforward portion of the ear, along the top edge of the ear, thendownwardly along a rearward edge of the ear, terminating at the lobe.However, the tragus is nearly flush with the side of the human head.Thus, by arranging the support arm 68, 70 in a rearwardly rakedorientation, the support arms 68, 70 are less likely to make contactwith any portion of the ear. Particularly, the support arms 68, 70 canbe positioned so as to be lower than the upper portion of the helix,above the lobe, and preferably overlie the tragus.

Alternatively, the support arm 68, 70 can be attached to the ear stems54, 56, respectively, at a position rearward from the meatus of the ears20, 22 when the eyeglass 40 is worn by a user. As such, the support arms68, 70 preferably are raked forwardly so as to extend around the helixand position the speakers 14A, 16A over the tragus. This constructionprovides a further advantage in that if a user rotates the eyeglass 40such that the lenses 44, 46 are moved upwardly out of the field of viewof the wearer, the speakers 14A, 16A can be more easily maintained inalignment with the ears 20, 22 of the wearer.

Preferably, the support: arm 68, 70 are raked rearwardly so as to formangles 72, 74 relative to the ear stems 54, 56. The angles 72, 74 can bebetween 0 and 90 degrees. Preferably, the angles 72, 74 are between 10and 70 degrees. More preferably, the angles 72, 74 are between 20 and 50degrees. The angles 72, 74 can be between about 35 and 45 degrees. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the angles 72, 74 are about 40 degrees.

Optionally, the support arm 68, 70 can be curved. In this configuration,the angles 72, 74 can be measured between the ear stems 54, 56 and aline extending from the point at which the support arm 68, 70 connect tothe ear stems 54, 56 and the speakers 14A, 16A.

The audio device 10A can be used as an audio output device for any typeof device which provides an audio output signal. The audio device 10Acan include an audio input terminal disposed anywhere on the eyeglass 40for receiving a digital or analog audio signal. Preferably, wiresconnecting the input jack (not shown) with the speakers 14A, 16A extendthrough the interior of the ear stems 54, 56 so as to preserve the outerappearance of the eyeglass 40. Alternatively, the audio device 10A caninclude a wireless transceiver for receiving digital signals fromanother device.

With reference to FIGS. 3D-3J, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A is illustrated therein and referred to generally by the referencenumeral 10A′. The audio device 10A′ can include the same components asthe audio devices 10, 10A except as noted below. Components of the audiodevice 10A′ that are similar to the corresponding components of theaudio devices 10, 10A are identified with the same reference numeralsexcept, that a “′” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10A′ is in the form of an eyeglass 12A′ having a frame40A′. The audio device 10A′ also includes a device for the storage andplayback of a sound recording.

As noted above, an aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosedherein includes a realization that the forward to rearward spacing ofthe bridge of a human nose to the auditory canal of the ear falls into arelatively narrow range of distances for large portions of thepopulation. For example, the forward-to-rearward spacing from the bridgeof the nose to the auditory canal is normally between about 4⅞ inches toabout 5⅛ inches, and often between about 4¾ inches and about 5¼ inches.Corresponding anterior-posterior plane adjustability of the speakers ispreferably provided.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 3F, the audio device 10A′ is configuredsuch that the supports 68′, 78′, can translate, along a forward torearward direction, over a range identified generally by the referencenumeral Rt. Preferably, the range Rt is at least about ⅛ of one inch.Further, the range Rt can be at least about ¼ of one inch. Further, therange Rt can be in the range of from about 0.25 inches to about 1.5inches, and, in one construction, is about 0.75 of one inch. As such, asubstantial percentage of the human population will be able to align aCenter of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ with their auditory canal.

With reference to FIG. 3G, a further advantage is provided where thediameter Ds of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ is greater than about 0.5 inches,such as about 1 inch or greater. As such, an effective range Re (FIG.3F) over which the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can reach, is significantlyenhanced with respect to the above-noted nose bridge to auditory canalspacings for humans.

Thus, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ to the ear stems 54′,56′, respectively, can be configured to allow a limited translationalrange of movement of Rt yet provide a larger range of coverage Re.

Preferably, the connection between the support 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′, is configured such that the translational position ofthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ is maintained when a user removes the audiodevice 10A′ from their head. For example, the connection between thesupports 68′, 70′, and the ear stems 54′, 56′ can generate sufficientfriction so as to resist movement due to the weight of the supports 68′,70′ and the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Alternatively, the connection or anadjustment device can include locks, clips, or other structures toprevent unwanted translational movement of the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Assuch, a further advantage is provided in that a user can repeatedlyremove and replace the audio device 10A′ without having to readjust thetranslational position of the speakers 14A′, 16A′.

Another advantage is provided where the supports 68′, 70′ are made froma material that is substantially rigid, at least at room temperature.For example, with reference to FIG. 3F, the angles 72′, 74′ definedbetween the supports 68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively,can be maintained at a predetermined value while the speakers 14A′, 16A′can be moved over the range Rt. Thus, as noted above with reference toFIG. 3A and the description of the angles 72, 74, the angles 72′, 74′can be maintained at a desired angle as a user moves the speakers 14A′,16A′ over the range Rt.

Optionally, the supports 68′, 70′ can be made from a material that canbe deformed at room temperature. However, more preferably the materialis sufficiently rigid such that substantial pressure is required tochange the angle 74′. Alternatively, the supports 68′, 70′ can be madefrom a thermally sensitive material that can be softened with theapplication of heat. Thus, a wearer of the audio device 10A′ can heatthe supports 68′, 70′ and adjust the angle 74′ to optimize comfort forthe particular wearer. Such thermal sensitive materials are widely usedin the eyewear industry and thus a further description of such materialsis not deemed necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art to make anduse the inventions disclosed herein.

Preferably, the angles 72′, 74′ are sized such that the spacing Vsbetween the center C of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ and a lower surface ofthe ear stems 54′, 56′ is within the range of about 0.75 of an inch toabout 1.25 inches. One aspect of at least one of the inventionsdisclosed herein includes the realization that there is little variationin the spacing for adult humans between the center of the auditory canaland the connecting tissue between the pinna of the ear and the skin onthe side of the head. In particular, it has been found that in virtuallyall humans, the distance between the upper most connection of the earand the head to the center of the auditory canal is between 0.75 of aninch and 1.25 inches. Thus, by sizing the angles 72′, 74′ such thespacing Vs is between about 0.75 of an inch and 1.25 inches, the audiodevice 10A can be worn by virtually any adult human and has sufficientalignment between the wearer's auditory canal and the center C of thespeakers 14A′, 16A′. Further, where the diameter Ds of the speakers14A′, 16A′ is about 1 inch, almost any human can wear the audio device10A′ without having to adjust the angles 72′, 74′. In other words, theauditory canal of virtually any human would be aligned with a portion ofthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ although the wearer's auditory canal might notbe precisely aligned with the center C of the speakers 14A′, 16A′.

With reference to FIG. 3H, the supports 68′, 70′ are configured to allowthe speakers 14A′, 16A′, respectively, to pivot toward and away from anear of a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3H, the supports 68′, 70′are connected to the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, so as to bepivotable about a pivot axis P. As such, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can bepivoted or swung about the pivot axis P.

The range of motion provided by the connection between the supports 68′,70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′ is identified by the angle S in FIG. 3H.In FIG. 3H, the speaker 14A′ is illustrated in an intermediate positionin the range of motion provided by the connection between the support68′ and the ear stem 54′.

The illustration of the speaker 16A′ includes a solid linerepresentation showing a maximum outward position of the speaker 16A′.Additionally, FIG. 3H includes a phantom illustration of the speaker16A′ in a maximum inward position. The angle S illustrates a range ofmotion between a maximum outward position (solid line) and a maximuminward position (phantom line), of the speaker 16A′.

Preferably, the range of motion S is sufficiently large to allow anyhuman wearer of the audio device 10A′ to position the speakers 14A′,16A′ such that sound emitted from the speakers 14A′, 16A′ is clearlyaudible yet comfortable for the wearer of the audio device 10A′. Forexample, human ears vary in the precise shape and size of the outwardlyfacing features. As such, one wearer of the audio device 10A′ may haveouter facing features of their ear that project further than anotherwearer of the audio device 10A′. Thus, one wearer may prefer thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ to be positioned more inwardly than another wearer.

Further, some wearers of the audio device 10A′ may prefer to press thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ into contact with the outer surfaces of their ears.For example, some users may desire to experience to loudest possiblevolume from the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Thus, by pressing the speakers14A′, 16A′ against their ears, the perceived volume of the sound emittedfrom the speakers 14A′, 16A′ will be the greatest.

Alternatively, other users may prefer to have the speakers spaced fromthe outer surfaces of their ear so as to prevent contact with the ear,yet maintain a close spacing to preserve the perceived volume of thesound emitted from the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Additionally, a user mayoccasionally wish to move the speakers 14A′, 16A′ further away fromtheir ears, so as to allow the wearer better hear other ambient soundswhen the speakers 14A′, 16A′ are not operating. For example, a wearer ofthe audio device 10A′ might wish to use a cellular phone while wearingthe audio device 10A′. Thus, the wearer can pivot one of the speakers14A′, 16A′ to a maximum outward position (e.g., the solid lineillustration of speaker 16A′ in FIG. 3H) to allow a speaker of the cellphone to be inserted in the space between the speaker 16A′ and the earof the wearer. As such, the wearer can continue to wear the audio device10A′ and use another audio device, such as a cell phone. This provides afurther advantage in that, because the audio device 10A′ is in the formof eyeglasses 12A′, which may include prescription lenses or tintedlenses, the wearer of the audio device 10A′ can continue to receive thebenefits of such tinted or prescription lenses while using the otheraudio device.

An additional advantage is provided where the pivotal movement of thesupports 68′, 70′ is isolated from the translational movement thereof.For example, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′ can be configured so as to allow a user to pivot thesupports 68′, 70′ without substantially translating the supports 68′,70′ forwardly or rearwardly. In one embodiment, the connections can beconfigured to provide more perceived frictional resistance againsttranslational movement than the frictional resistance against pivotalmovement about the pivot axis P (FIG. 3H). Thus, a user can easily pivotthe speakers 14A′, 16A′ toward and away from their ears withouttranslating the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Thus, the procedure for moving thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ toward and away from a weaver's ears can beperformed more easily and, advantageously, with one hand.

The range of motion S is generally no greater than about 180°, and oftenless than about 90°. In one preferred embodiment, the range of motion Sis no more than about 30° or 40°. The connection between the support68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, is generallyconfigured to provide a sufficient holding force for maintaining arotational orientation of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ about the pivot axisP. For example, the connection between the supports 68′, 70′ and the earstems 54′, 56′, respectively, can be configured to generate sufficientfriction to resist the forces generated by normal movements of awearer's head.

A further advantage is achieved where sufficient friction is generatedto prevent the pivotal movement of the speakers 14A′, 16A′ when theaudio device 10A′ is removed from the wearer and placed on a surfacesuch that the speakers 14A′, 16A′ support at least some of the weight ofthe audio device 10A′. For example, when a wearer of the audio device10A′ removes the audio device 10A′ and places it on a table with thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ facing downwardly, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ wouldsupport at least some of the weight of the audio device 10A′. Thus, byproviding sufficient friction in the connection between the supports68′, 70′ and the ear stems 54′, 56′, respectively, the position of thespeakers 14A′, 16A′ can be maintained. Thus, when the wearer replacesthe audio device 10A′, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ will be in the sameposition, thereby avoiding the need for the wearer to repositionspeakers 14A′, 16A′.

As noted above, an aspect of one of the inventions disclosed hereinincludes the realization that where an electronic device that is worn inthe same manner as a pair of eyeglasses includes a user operable switchfor controlling a function of the electronics, the comfort of the wearerof the audio device can be enhanced where the switches are operablewithout transferring a substantial load to the head of the wearer. Forexample, where the electronic device includes buttons for controlling anaspect of the device, a further advantage is provided where a supportsurface is provided opposite the button such that a user can apply abalancing force to the actuation force applied to the button, therebypreventing a substantial force from being transferred to the head of thewearer.

With reference to FIG. 31, the audio device 10A′ can include at leastone button 73 a. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 10A′includes five buttons; a first button 73 a and a second button 73 bmounted to the left ear stem 54′, and a third button 73 c, a fourthbutton 73 d, and a fifth button 73 e mounted to the right ear stem 56′.Of course, this is one preferred embodiment of the arrangement of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73 d, 73 e. Other numbers of buttons and otherarrangements of buttons are also applicable.

As shown in FIG. 3H, the button 73 a is mounted on an upwardly facingsurface of the ear stem 54′. Additionally, the ear stem 54′ has a lowersurface that faces in a generally opposite direction to the directiontowards which the upper surface of the ear stem 54′ faces. Thus, asshown in FIG. 3H, the user can use a finger 71 to actuate the button 73a and a thumb 69 to counteract the actuation force of the finger 71 bypressing on the lower surface of the ear stem 54′. As such, the weareror user of the audio device 10A′ can actuate the button 73 a withoutimparting a substantial load to the wearer of the audio device 10A′.

This provides a further advantage in that a repeated application of aforce against the audio device 10A′ that is transferred to the head ofthe wearer of the audio device 10A′ is avoided. For example, where theaudio 10A′ is in the form of eyeglasses 12A′, a wearer of the eyeglasses12A′ can be subjected to irritations if the wearer repeatedly pressesthe eyeglasses 12A′ to actuate a switch. Further, such repeated loadscan cause headaches. Thus, by configuring the ear stems 54A′ such thatthe button 73 a can be depressed without transferring a substantial loadto the wearer of the ear glasses 12A′, such irritations and headachescan be avoided.

Further, by disposing the button 73 a on an upper portion of the earstems 54A′, and by providing the ear stems 54A′ with an opposite lowersurface that faces an opposite direction relative to the upper surface,a wearer can grasp the ear stems 54A′ from the side, as illustrated inFIG. 38, thereby allowing the user to counteract the actuation forcerequired to actuate the button 73 a without having to insert a fingerbetween a side of the wearer's head and ear stems 54A′.

FIG. 3J illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the audio device 10A. Asshown in FIG. 3J, the left side ear stem 54A′ defines an electronichousing portion 250 which defines an internal cavity 252 configured toreceive electronic components. The electronics housing 250 includes anupper surface 254 and lower surface 256. The upper surface 254 extendsgenerally outwardly from the ear stems 54A′ and around the internalcavity 252. The upper surface also includes apertures 256, 258 throughwhich the button 73 a, 73 b, respectively, extend.

The housing 250 includes a lower surface 260. The lower surface 260(which may contain apertures or slots) faces in an opposite directionfrom the upper surface 254 of the housing 250. Preferably, the lowersurface 260 is at least about 0.5 inches, and may be 0.75 inches or morewide. As such, the lower surface 260 provides a surface which allows awearer to easily grasp the ear stems 54A′ so as to balance an actuationforce supplied to the button 73 a, 73 b.

A cover member 262 cooperates with the housing 250 to define the closedinternal cavity 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity252 includes at least one compartment configured to receive anelectronic circuit board 264 which includes at least one switch for eachof the buttons 73 a, 73 b. In an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment,the board 264 can include two switches, one for each of the buttons 73a, 73 b, which are configured to control a volume output from thespeakers 14A′, 16A′. The cover 262 can be attached to the ear stems 54A′with any type of fastener, such as, for example, but without limitation,screws, rivets, bolts, adhesive, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 250 also defines a hingerecess 262. Additionally, the cover member 262 includes a complimentaryhinge recess 268. The recesses 266, 268 are sized to receive a hinge pin270. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge pin 270 is hollow andincludes an aperture therethrough. The ends of the hinge pin 270 areconfigured to be engaged with corresponding portions of the frame 42′ soas to anchor the position of the hinge pin 270 relative to the frame42′. When the cover 262 is attached to the housing 250, with the hingepin 270 disposed in the recesses 266, 268, the ear stem 54A′ ispivotally mounted to the frame 42′. The aperture extending through thehinge pin 270 provides a passage through which electrical conduits canpass, described in greater detail below.

The housing 250 also includes a power source recess (not shown). Thepower source recess includes an opening 272 sized to receive a powerstorage device 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the power storagedevice 274 is in the form of an AAAA-sized battery. Of course, the powerstorage device 274 can be in the form of any type or any size of batteryand can have any shape. However, a further advantage is provided where astandard-sized battery such as an AAAA battery is used. For example, asdescribed in greater detail below, this size battery can be convenientlybalanced with other electronic components configured for playback of asound recording.

A door 276 is configured to close the opening 272. In the illustratedembodiment, the door 276 is preferably hingedly connected to a housing250 so as to allow the door to be rotated between an open position and aclosed position. FIGS. 3D-31 illustrate the door 276 in a closedposition.

The ear stem 56′ includes a housing 280 defining an internal cavity 282configured to receive at least one electronic component. The housing 280also includes upper and lower surfaces (unnumbered) that can beconfigured identically or similarly to the upper and lower surfaces 254,260 of the housing 250. However, in the illustrated embodiment, theupper surface of the housing 280 includes 3 apertures configured toreceive portions of the buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e. Thus, a furtherdescription of the housing 280 is not necessary for one of ordinaryskill in the art to make and use the inventions disclosed herein.

The internal cavity 282, in the illustrated embodiment, is configured toreceive a printed circuit board 284. In the illustrated embodiment, theprinted circuit board 284 includes one switch for each of the buttons 73c, 73 d, and 73 e. Additionally, the printed circuit board 284 includesan audio file storage and playback device 286.

The device 286 can be configured to store and playback any type ofelectronic audio and/or video file. In the illustrated embodiment, thedevice 286 includes a memory, an amplifier, and a processor. The memory,amplifier, and the processor are configured to operate together tofunction as an audio storage and playback system. For example, the audiostorage and playback system can be configured to store MP3 files in amemory and to play back the MP3 files through the speakers 14A′, 16A′.Suitable electronics for enabling and amplifying MP3 storage andplayback are well known in the art, and may be commercially availablefrom Sigmatel, Inc. or Atmel, Inc. Thus, further description of thehardware and software for operating the device 286 as a storage andplayback device is not necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use the inventions disclosed herein.

Advantageously, the printed circuit board 284 also includes or is inelectrical communication with a data transfer port 388. In theillustrated embodiment, the housing 280 includes an aperture (not shown)disposed in a position similar to the position of the aperture 272 onthe housing 250. In the housing 280, however, the aperture is alignedwith the data transfer port 288. Thus, when the printed circuit board284 is received in the internal cavity 282, the data transfer port 288is aligned with the aperture.

A door 290 is configured to open and close the aperture through whichthe data port 288 is exposed. Preferably, the door 290 is hingedlyengaged to the housing 280, in an identical or similar manner as thedoor 276. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 290 can be pivotedrelative to housing 280, thereby exposing the data transfer port 288. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the data transfer port is configured tooperate according to the universal serial bus (USB) transfer protocol.Optical data ports may alternatively be used. As a further alternative,MP3 files may be uploaded from a source using wireless systems, such asBLUETOOTH® protocols, as is discussed below. Further, the device 286 isconfigured to receive audio files from another computer, through thedata transfer port 288 and to store the files into the memoryincorporated into the device 286.

A cover 292 is configured to close the internal cavity 282. The cover292 can be configured in accordance with the description of the cover262. Similarly to the housing 250 and cover 262, the housing 280 andcover 292 include recesses 294, 296 configured to receive a hinge pin298. The hinge pin 298 can be constructed identically or similarly tothe hinge pin 270. Thus, with the hinge pin 298 engaged with a frame42′, the cover member 292 can be attached to the housing 280 with thehinge pin 298 received within the recesses 294, 296. As such, the earstem 56A′ can be pivoted relative to the frame 42′.

With continued reference to FIG. 3J, the speakers 14A′, 16A′ can beconstructed in a similar manner, as a mirror image of each other. Eachof the speakers 14A′, 16A′, include a housing member 300. Each housingmember 300 includes a transducer housing 302, a support stem 304, and aguide portion 306.

The transducer housing portion 302 includes an internal recess 308(identified in the illustration of speaker 16A′). The transducer recess308 can be sized to receive any type of acoustic transducer. Forexample, but without limitation, the transducer recess 308 can beconfigured to receive a standard acoustic speaker commonly used forheadphones. In a non-limiting embodiment, the speaker transducer (notshown) has an outer diameter of at least about 0.6 inches. However, thisis merely exemplary, and other sizes of transducers can be used.

With reference to the illustration of the speaker 14A′, the support stem304 connects the transducer housing 302 with the guide portion 306. Thesupport stem 304 includes an aperture therethrough (not shown) whichconnects the transducer recess 308 with the guide portion 306.

The guide portion 306 includes an aperture 310 which communicates withthe aperture extending through the support stem 304. Thus, an electricconduit, described in greater detail below, can extend through theaperture 310, through the stem 304, and then to the transducer recess308.

The guide portion 306 also includes a guide aperture 312. The guideaperture 312 is configured to receive a guide pin 314.

The guide pin 314 can be made from any material. In the illustratedembodiment, the guide pin 314 is a rod having an outer diameter of about0.0625 of an inch. When assembled, the guide pin 314 is disposed withinan open recess (not shown) disposed on an under surface of the housing250. The aperture 312 is sized so as to slidably receive the pin 314.Thus, the guide portion 306 can translate relative to the pin 314 aswell as rotate relative to the pin 314. The size of the aperture 312 canbe configured to provide a slip fit with sufficient friction to providethe stable positions noted above with reference to FIGS. 3D-3I.

In this embodiment, the guide pin 314 and the aperture 312 provide bothtranslational and pivotal movement. Additionally, the guide pin 314 andthe aperture 312 can be configured to resistance to both translationalmovement and pivotal movement, with the resistance to translationalmovement being greater. For example, the axial length and diameter ofthe aperture 312, controls the maximum contact area between the guidepin 314 and the guide portion 306 and thus affects the frictional forcegenerated therebetween. Thus, the length and diameter of the aperture312 can be adjusted to achieve the desired frictional forces.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 3K, when a translational force X isapplied to the speaker 14A′, a torque T is created, which results inreaction forces Xr urging the guide portion 306 against the guide pin314 at the forward and rearward ends thereof. These reaction forces Xrincrease the frictional resistance against the translational movement ofthe speaker 14A′. However, as shown in FIG. 3L, when a pivot force (D isapplied to the speaker 14A′, such reaction forces are not created, andthe speaker 14A′ can pivot about the guide pin 314 with seemingly lessforce applied as compared to the force X required to move the speaker14A′ in a direction parallel to the guide pin 314.

With reference again to FIG. 3J, the recess on the lower surface of thehousings 250, 280, are sized so as to allow the guide portion 306 toslide in a forward to rearward direction in the range Rt, describedabove with reference to FIG. 3F. Additionally, the open recess on thelower surface of the housings 250, 280 is provided with a width to limitthe range of motion S of the speakers 14A′, 16A′, described above withreference to FIG. 3H.

With reference to FIG. 3E, the frame 42′ includes an interior electricalconduit channel 316 configured to receive an electrical conduit forconnecting the speakers 14′, 16′, the printed circuit boards 264, 284,and the power storage device 274. For example, with reference to FIG.3M, the buttons 73 a, 73 b, are connected to the device 286 throughconduits 73 ai, 73 bi. The storage device 274 is connected to the device286 through a power line 274 i. Additionally, the speaker 14A′ isconnected to the device 286 with an audio output conduit 14Ai′.

As illustrated in FIG. 3M, portions of the conduits 73 ai, 73 bi, 274 iand 14Ai′, extend through the channel 316. In an exemplary embodiment,the conduits 73 ai, 73 bi, 274 i, and 14Ai′, can be in the form of aribbon connector 318 extending through the channel 316. Thus, withreference to FIGS. 3J and 3M, the ribbon connector 318 can extend fromthe housing 280, into the recesses 294, 296, through an aperture (notshown) in the hinge pin 298 to the upper opening within the hinge pin298, then through the channel 316 (FIG. 3E), to an upper opening of thehinge pin 270, out through an aperture (not shown) through a side of ahinge pin 270, through the recesses 266, 268 of the housing 250, andthen to the speaker 14A′, printed circuit board 264, and the powerstorage device 274.

The conduit 14Ai′ can extend to the aperture 310 in the guide portion306, through a central aperture of the support stem 304, and into thetransducer recess 308, as to connect to a transducer disposed therein.Optionally, the portion of the conduit 14Ai′ that extends out of thehousing 250 and into the transducer housing 300 can be formed from aninsulated metal conduit, or any other known conduit. The speaker 16A′can be connected to the printed circuit board 284 in a similar manner.

The buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e and the data transfer port 288 areconnected to the device 286 through printed conduits incorporated intothe printed circuit board 284.

As noted above, one aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosedherein includes the realization that a desirable balance can be achievedby disposing a power storage device in one ear stem of an eyeglass andplay-back device into the second ear stem. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS.3J and 3K, the power storage device 274 is disposed in the left ear stem54′ and the storage and play-back device 286 is disposed in the rightear stem 56′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the buttons 73 a and 73 b for controllingthe volume of the sound output from the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Forexample, the button 73 a can be used for increasing volume and thebutton 73 b can be used for decreasing volume. Alternatively, the button73 b can be for increasing volume and the button 73 a can be fordecreasing volume. When a wearer of the audio device 10A′ presses one ofthe buttons 73 a, 73 b, a simple on-off signal can be transmitted to thedevice 286. The device 286 can be configured to interpret the on-offsignals from the buttons 73 a, 73 b as volume control signals and adjustthe volume to the speakers 14A′, 16A′ accordingly.

Optionally, a third command can be generated by pressing both of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b simultaneously. For example, but without limitation,the device 286 can be configured to interpret simultaneous signals fromboth the buttons 73 a, 73 b, as a signal for turning on and off anadditional feature. For example, but without limitation, the additionalfeature can be a bass boost feature which increases the bass of theaudio signal transmitted to the speakers 14A′, 16A′. Of course, otherfunctions can be associated with the buttons 73 a, 73 b.

The buttons 73 c, 73 d, 73 e can be figured to operate switches totransmit control signals to the device 286 similarly to the buttons 73a, 73 b. For example, but without limitation, the button 73 ccorresponds to a power button. For example, the device 286 can beconfigured to recognize a signal from the button 73 c as a power on orpower off request. In this embodiment, when the device 286 is off, and asignal from the button 73 c is received, the device 286 can turn on.Additionally, the device 286, when in an on state, can be configured toturn off when a signal from the button 73 c is received. Optionally, thedevice 286 can be configured to, when in an off or standby state, turnon and begin to play an audio file when a signal from the button 73 c isreceived. Additionally, the device 286 can be configured to pause whenanother signal from the button 73 c is received. In this embodiment, thedevice 286 can be configured to turn off only if the button 73 c is helddown for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the device 286 canbe configured to turn off if the button 73 c is held down for more thantwo seconds or for three seconds or for other periods of time.

The buttons 73 d and 73 e can correspond to forward and reversefunctions. For example, the button 73 d can correspond to a track skipfunction. In an illustrative but non-limiting example, such a track skipfunction can cause the device 286 to skip to a next audio file in thememory of the device 286. Similarly, the button 73 e can correspond to areverse track skip function in which the device 286 skips to theprevious audio file.

Optionally, the buttons 73 d, 73 e can be correlated to fast forward andrewind functions. For example, the device 286 can be configured to fastforward through an audio file, and play the corresponding sounds at afast forward speed, when the button 73 d is held down and to stop andplay the normal speed when the button 73 d is released. Similarly, thedevice 286 can be configured to play an audio file backwards at anelevated speed, when the button 73 e is held down, and to resume normalforward play when the button 73 e is released. This arrangement of thebuttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73 d, 73 e provides certain advantages notedabove. However, other arrangements of the buttons 73 a, 73 b, 73 c, 73d, 73 e and the corresponding functions thereof can be modified.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10A′ is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10A″. The audio device 10A″ can include the samecomponents as the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′ except as noted below.Components of the audio device 10A′ that are similar to correspondingcomponents of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′ are identified with thesame reference numerals, except that a “″” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10A″ is in the form of an eyeglass 12A″ having a frame40A″. The audio device 10A″ also includes at least one microphone 75.Advantageously, the microphone 75 is disposed so as to face toward thewearer.

FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the eyeglass 12A″on the head 18 of a wearer. The microphone 75 is schematicallyillustrated and includes a transducer unit 76. In the illustratedembodiment, the transducer 76 is disposed within the frame 40A″ and atleast one aperture 77 extends from the transducer unit 76 to the outersurface of the frame 40A″. Alternatively, the transducer can bepositioned so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the frame 40A″.

Advantageously, the aperture 77 is disposed so as to face toward thehead of the user 18. The illustrated aperture 77 faces downward andtoward the head 18 of the wearer. By configuring the aperture to extenddownwardly and toward the head 18, the aperture is disposed as close aspossible to the mouth of the wearer while benefiting from the windprotection provided by positioning the aperture 77 on the portion of theframe 40A′ facing toward the head 18.

Alternatively, the aperture can be positioned so as to extend generallyhorizontally from the transducer 76 to an outer surface of the frame40A″, this configuration being illustrated and identified by the numeral78. By configuring the aperture 78 to extending generally horizontallytoward the head 18, the aperture 78 is better protected from wind.

As another alternative, the aperture can be configured to extendupwardly from the transducer and toward the head 18, this configurationbeing identified by the numeral 79. By configuring the aperture 79 toextend upwardly from the transducer 76 and toward the head 18, theaperture 79 is further protected from wind which can cause noise.However, in this orientation, the aperture 79 is more likely to collectwater that may inadvertently splash onto the aperture 79. Thus, theaperture configuration identified by the numeral 77 provides a furtheradvantage in that water is less likely to enter the aperture 77. Anywater that may enter the aperture 77 will drain therefrom due togravity.

The microphone 75 can be disposed anywhere on the frame 40A′, includingthe orbitals 48A″, 50A″, the bridge 52A″, or the ear stems 54A″, 56A″.Optionally, the microphone 75 can be in the form of a bone conductionmicrophone. As such, the microphone 75 is disposed such that the when auser wears the audio device 10A′, the microphone 75 is in contact withthe user's head 18. For example, but without limitation, the microphonecan be positioned anywhere on the anywhere on the frame 40A′, includingthe orbitals 48A″, 50A″, the bridge 52A″, or the ear stems 54A″, 56A″such that the microphone contacts the user's head. More preferably, themicrophone 75 is positioned such that it contacts a portion of theuser's head 18 near a bone, such that vibrations generated from theuser's voice and traveling through the bone, are conducted to themicrophone. In another alternative, the microphone 75 can be configuredto be inserted into the meatus 24 (FIG. 2) of the ear canal of the user.Thus, in this modification, the microphone 75 can be substituted for oneof the speakers 14, 16. Alternatively, an ear-canal type bone conductionmicrophone can be combined with a speaker so as to provide two-waycommunication with the user through a single ear canal.

Further, the audio device 10A″ can include noise cancellationelectronics (not shown) configured to filter wind-generated noise froman audio signal transmitted from the microphone 75.

FIG. 5A illustrates a modification in which the microphone 75 isdisposed on the bridge 52A″. Similarly to the configuration illustratedin FIG. 4B, the bridge 52A″ can include an aperture 77 which extendsdownwardly and toward the nose 19 of the wearer, horizontally extendingaperture 78, or an upwardly extending aperture 79.

Alternatively, the microphone 75 can include a forwardly facingaperture, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, and a wind sock 81 disposed overthe aperture. The wind sock 81 can be made in any known manner. Forexample, the wind sock 81 can be made from a shaped piece of expandedfoam. Configuring the bridge portion 52A′ as such is particularlyadvantageous because the bridge portion of an eyeglass is typicallysomewhat bulbous. A wind sock can be shaped complementarily to thebridge portion 52A′. Thus, the sock 81 can be made so as to appear to bepart of a normal bridge portion of an eyeglass.

The audio device 10A″ can include electrical conduits extending throughthe frame 40A″ to an audio output jack (not shown). The audio outputjack can be disposed at the end of the ear stems 54A″, 56A″, or anywhereelse on the frame 40A″. Thus, a user can wear the audio device 10A′ anduse the microphone 75 in order to transform the voice of the wearer orother sounds into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can betransmitted to another audio device, such as a palm top computer, alaptop computer, a digital or analog audio recorder, a cell phone, andthe like. Additionally, the audio device 10A″ can include speakers, suchas the speakers 14A″, 16A″ illustrated in FIG. 3A. As such, the audiodevice 10A″ can be configured to provide two-way audio for the wearer,i.e., audio input being transmitted to the user through the speakers14A″, 16A″, and audio output being transmitted from the wearer, throughthe microphone 75, and out through the audio output jack. As such, auser can use the audio device 10A″ for two-way audio communication in acomfortable manner.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10A′, 10A″ is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10B. Components of the audio device 10B correspondingto components of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 10A″ are identifiedwith the same reference numerals, except that letter “C” has been addedthereto.

The audio device 10B is in the form of an eyeglass 80. The eyeglass 80includes a frame 82. The frame 82 includes left and right orbitals 84,86. Each of the orbitals 84, 86 support a lens 88, 90. The frame 82 alsoincludes a bridge portion 92. Similarly to the bridge portion 52 of theaudio device 10A, the bridge portion 92 connects the orbitals 84, 86.Additionally, the bridge portion 92 defines an open space 94 configuredto receive the nose 19 of a wearer. The inner sides of the orbitals 84,86 and/or the bridge portion 92 is configured to support the frames 82on the nose of a user.

The eyeglass 80 also includes support stems 96, 98 extending from theupper portions of the orbitals 84, 86 toward a posterior of a wearer'shead. In the illustrated embodiment, the stems 96, 98 extend along anupper surface of the wearer's head. Thus, the stems 96, 98, along withthe bridge portion 92, support the eyeglass 80 on the wearer's head 18.The support members 28B, 30B are comprised of support arms 100, 102.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the support arms 100, 102 extenddownwardly from the stems 96, 98, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, the support arms 100, 102 extend in an “L” shape. Inparticular, the support arm 100 extends from the stem 96 to a point justforward from the tragus of the user's ear 20. From this point, thesupport arm 100 extends rearwardly so as to support the speaker 14B at aposition juxtaposed and spaced from the ear 20. Preferably, the speaker14B is maintained in a position from about 2 mm to 3 cm from the tragusof the ear 20. Similarly to the audio device 10A, the audio device 10Bcan include an audio input through a wired arrangement or through awireless transceiver.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, another modification of the audiodevice 10 is illustrated therein and referred to generally by thereference numeral 10C. Similar components of the audio device 10C havebeen given the same reference numerals, except that that a “C” has beenadded thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the audio device 10C can be worn on the head18 of a user U. Preferably, the audio device 10C is configured toprovide one or two-way wireless communication with a source device, orthe source device can be incorporated into the audio device 10C. Thesource device can be carried by the user U, mounted to a moveableobject, stationary, or part of a local area or personal area network.

The user U can carry a “body borne” source device B such as, forexample, but without limitation, a cellular phone, an MP3 player, a“two-way” radio, a palmtop computer, or a laptop computer. As such, theuser U can use the audio device 10C to receive and listen to audiosignals from the source device B, and/or transmit audio signals to thesource device B. Optionally, the audio device 10C can also be configuredto transmit and receive data signals to and from the source device B,described in greater detail below.

Optionally, the device B can also be configured to communicate, via longor short range wireless networking protocols, with a remote source R.The remote source R can be, for example, but without limitation, acellular phone service provider, a satellite radio provider, or awireless internet service provider. For example, but without limitation,the source device B can be configured to communicate with other wirelessdata networks such as via, for example, but without limitation,long-range packet-switched network protocols including PCS, GSM, andGPRS. As such, the audio device 10C can be used as an audio interfacefor the source device B. For example, but without limitation, where thesource device B is a cellular phone, the user U can listen to the audiooutput of the cellular phone, such as the voice of a caller, throughsound transducers in the audio device 10C. Optionally, the user U cansend voice signals or commands to the cellular phone by speaking into amicrophone on the audio device 10C, described in greater detail below.Thus, the audio device 10C may advantageously be a receiver and/or atransmitter for telecommunications.

In general, the component configuration of FIG. 8 enables the audiodevice 10C to carry interface electronics with the user, such as audiooutput and audio input. However, the source electronics such as the MP3player, cellular phone, computer or the like may be off board, orlocated remotely from the audio device 10C. This enables the audiodevice 10C to accomplish complex electronic functions, while retaining asleek, low weight configuration. Thus, the audio device 10C is incommunication with the off board source electronics device B. The offboard source device B may be located anywhere within the working rangeof the audio device 10C. In many applications, the source electronics Bwill be carried by the wearer, such as on a belt clip, pocket, purse,backpack, integrated with “smart” clothing, or the like. Thisaccomplishes the function of off loading the bulk and weight of thesource electronics from the headset.

The source electronics B may also be located within a short range of thewearer, such as within the room or same building. For example, personnelin an office building or factory may remain in contact with each, andwith the cellular telephone system, internet or the like by positioningtransmitter/receiver antenna for the off board electronics B throughoutthe hallways or rooms of the building. In shorter range, or personalapplications, the out board electronics B may be the form of a desktopunit, or other device adapted for positioning within relatively short(e.g. no greater than about 10 feet, no greater than about 20 feet, nogreater than about 50 feet, no greater than 100 feet) of the user duringthe normal use activities.

In all of the foregoing constructions of the invention, the off boardelectronics B may communicate remotely with the remote source R. SourceR may be the cellular telephone network, or other remote source. In thismanner, the driver electronics may be off loaded from the headset, toreduce bulk, weight and power consumption characteristics. The headsetmay nonetheless communicate with a remote source R, by relaying thesignal through the off board electronics B with or without modification.

Optionally, the audio device 10C can be configured to provide one ortwo-way communication with a stationary source device S. The stationarysource device can be, for example, but without limitation, a cellularphone mounted in an automobile, a computer, or a local area network.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the audio device 10C preferablycomprises a wearable wireless audio interface device which includes asupport 12C supported on the head 18 of a user by the support 26C andincludes an interface device 110. The interface device 110 includes apower source 112, a transceiver 114, an interface 116, and an antenna118.

The power source 112 can be in the form of disposable or rechargeablebatteries. Optionally, the power source 112 can be in the form of solarpanels and a power regulator.

The transceiver 114 can be in the form of a digital wireless transceiverfor one-way or two-way communication. For example, the transceiver 114can be a transceiver used in known wireless networking devices thatoperate under the standards of 802.11a, 802.11b, or preferably, thestandard that has become known as BLUETOOTH™. As illustrated inBLUETOOTH™-related publications discussed below, the BLUETOOTH™ standardadvantageously provides low-cost, low-power, and wireless links using ashort-range, radio-based technology. Systems that employ the BLUETOOTH™standard and similar systems advantageously allow creation of ashort-range, wireless “personal area network” by using small radiotransmitters. Consequently, with BLUETOOTH™-enabled systems and similarsystems, components within these systems may communicate wirelessly viaa personal area network. Personal area networks advantageously mayinclude voice/data, may include voice over data, may include digital andanalogue communication, and may provide wireless connectivity to sourceelectronics. Personal area networks may advantageously have a range ofabout 30 feet; however, longer or shorter ranges are possible. Theantenna 118 can be in the form of an onboard antenna integral with thetransceiver 114 or an antenna external to the transceiver 114. Inanother implementation, the transceiver 114 can support data speeds ofup to 721 kilo-bits per second as well as three voice channels.

In one implementation, the transceiver 114 can operate at least twopower levels: a lower power level that covers a range of about ten yardsand a higher power level. The higher level covers a range of about onehundred yards, can function even in very noisy radio environments, andcan be audible under severe conditions. The transceiver 114 canadvantageously limit its output with reference to system requirements.For example, without limitation, if the source electronics B is only ashort distance from audio device 10C, the transceiver 114 modifies itssignal to be suitable for the distance. In another implementation, thetransceiver 114 can switch to a low-power mode when traffic volumebecomes low or stops.

The interface 116 can be configured to receive signals from thetransceiver 114 that are in the form of digital or analog audio signals.The interface 116 can then send the audio signals to the speakers 14C,16C through speaker lines 120, 122, respectively, discussed in greaterdetail below.

Optionally, the audio device 10C can include a microphone 124.Preferably, the support 12C is configured to support the microphone 124in the vicinity of a mouth 126 of a user. As such, the support 12Cincludes a support member 128 supporting the microphone 124 in thevicinity of the mouth 126.

The microphone 124 is connected to the interface 116 through amicrophone line 130. Thus, the transceiver 114 can receive audio signalsfrom the microphone 124 through the interface 116. As such, the audiodevice 10C can wirelessly interact with an interactive audio device,such as a cellular phone, cordless phone, or a computer which respondsto voice commands. The microphone 124 can also be in any of the formsdiscussed above with reference to the microphone 75.

As noted above with reference to the audio device 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2,by configuring the support 12C to support the speakers 14C, 16C in aposition juxtaposed and spaced from the ears 20, 22 of the head 18, theaudio device 10C provides enhanced comfort for a user.

With reference to FIGS. 10-12, a modification of the audio device 10C isillustrated therein and identified generally by the reference numeral10D. The components of the audio device 10D which are the same as thecomponents in the audio devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C are identifiedwith the same reference numerals, except that a letter “D” has beenadded.

In the audio device 10D, the microphone 124D can be disposed in theframe 42D. In particular, the microphone 124D can be disposed in thebridge portion 52D. Alternatively, the microphone 124D can be disposedalong a lower edge of the right orbital 50D, this position beingidentified by the reference numeral 124D′. Further, the microphone couldbe positioned in a lower edge of the left orbital 48D, this positionbeing identified by the reference numeral 124D″. Optionally, twomicrophones can be disposed on the frame 42D at both the positions 124D′and 124D″. Similarly to the microphone 75, the microphones 124D′, 124D″preferably are positioned so as to face toward the user. Thus, themicrophones 124D′, 124D″ can be protected from wind and noise. Themicrophones 124D, 124D′, 124D″ can also be constructed in accordancewith any of the forms of the microphone 75 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B.

With reference to FIG. 12, the interface device 110D can be disposed inone of the ear stems 54D, 56D. Optionally, the components of theinterface device 110D can be divided with some of the components beingin the ear stem 54D and the remaining components in the ear stem 56D,these components being identified by the reference numeral 110D′.Preferably, the components are distributed between the ear stems 54D,56D so as to provide balance to the device 10D. This is particularlyadvantageous because imbalanced headwear can cause muscle pain and/orheadaches. Thus, by distributing components of the interface device 110Dbetween the ear stems 54D, 56D, the device 10D can be better balanced.

In one arrangement, the transceiver 114, interface 116, and the antenna118 can be disposed in the left ear stem 54D with the battery 112 beingdisposed in the right ear stem 56D. This arrangement is advantageousbecause there are numerous standard battery sizes widely available.Thus, the devices within the ear stem 54D can be balanced with theappropriate number and size of commercially available batteries disposedin the ear stem 56D.

In another arrangement, the lenses 44D, 46D can include an electronicvariable light attenuation feature, such as, for example, but withoutlimitation, a dichroic dye guest-host device. Additionally, another useroperable switch (not shown) can be disposed in the ear stem 56D. Such auser operable switch can be used to control the orientation, and thusthe light attenuation provided by, the dichroic dye.

Optionally, a further power source (not shown) for the dichroic dyeguest-host device can also be disposed in the ear stem 56D. For example,the rear portion 162 of ear stem 56D can comprise a removable battery.Such a battery can provide a power source for controlling theorientation of the dichrioic dye in the lenses 44D, 46D. In thismodification, the additional user operable switch disposed in the earstem 56D can be used to control the power from the battery supplied tothe lenses 44D, 46D.

The appropriate length for the antenna 118D is determined by the workingfrequency range of the transceiver 114. Typically, an antenna can beapproximately 0.25 of the wave length of the signal being transmittedand/or received. In one illustrative non-limiting embodiment, such as inthe BLUETOOTH™ standard, the frequency range is from about 2.0 gigahertzto 2.43 gigahertz. For such a frequency range, an antenna can be madewith a length of approximately 0.25 of the wavelength. Thus, for thisfrequency range, the antenna can be approximately 1 inch long.

With reference to FIG. 12, the antenna can be formed at a terminal endof one of the ear stems 54D, 56D. In the illustrated embodiment, theantenna 118D is disposed at the terminal end of the left ear stem 54D.

In this embodiment, approximately the last inch of the ear stem 54D isused for the antenna 118D. The antenna 118D can be made of anyappropriate metal. The antenna can be connected to the transceiver 114with a direct electrical connection, an inductive connection, or acapacitive connection.

With reference to FIG. 13, an inductive type connection is illustratedtherein. As shown in FIG. 13, the antenna 118D comprises an innerconductive rod 140 and a coil 142 wrapped helically around the rod 140.The coil 142 is connected to the transceiver 114 in a known manner.

The ear stems 54D, 56D can be made from a conductive metal material.Where metal is used, near the terminal end of the ear stem 54D, themetal material is reduced relative to the outer surface of the stem 54D.The coil member is wrapped around the rod 140 and an insulative material144 is disposed over the coil 142 so as to be substantially flush withthe remainder of the ear stem 54D. Thus, the smooth outer appearance ofthe ear stem 54D is maintained, without comprising the efficiency of theantenna 118D.

With reference to FIG. 14, a modification of the antenna 118D isillustrated therein and identified by the reference numeral 118D′.Components of the antenna 118D′ which were the same as the antenna 118Dillustrated in FIG. 13, have been given the same reference numeral,except that a “′” has been added.

The antenna 118D′ and the stem 54D include a thin outer layer 146 of ametal material. As known in the antenna arts, it is possible to disposea thin layer of metal over an antenna without destroying the antenna'sability to transmit and receive signals. This design is advantageousbecause if the device 10D is constructed of a metal material, includingmetal such as, for example, without limitation, sintered titanium ormagnesium, the thin outer layer 146 can be formed of this material sothat the appearance of the device 10D is uniform.

Where the stem 54D is made from a metal material, the antennas 118D,118D′ illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 provide an additional advantage inthat electrons in the ear stem 54D can be excited by the signal appliedto the coil 142. Thus, the ear stem 54D itself becomes part of theantenna 118D, 118D′, and thus can provide better range and/or efficiencyfor the transmission and reception of signals. Furthermore, if the earstem 54D is electrically coupled to the frame 42D, the frame 42D wouldalso become excited in phase with the excitations of the antenna 118D,118D′. Thus, the ear stem 54D and the frame 42D would effectively becomepart of the antenna, thereby allowing transmission and reception fromtwo sides of the head of the user.

Optionally, the ear stem 56D could also be electrically coupled to theframe 42D. Thus, the stem 56D would also become part of the antenna118D, 118D′, thereby allowing transmission and reception of signals onthree sides of the user's head. Thus, where at least a portion of aframe of an eyeglass is used as the antenna for the wireless transceiver114, the audio device benefits from enhanced antenna efficiency.

Optionally, the antenna 118D, 118D′ can be isolated from the remainderof the stem 54D via an insulator 146, thereby preventing interferencebetween the antenna and other devices on the audio device 10D. As such,the remainder of the device 10D can be made from any material, such as,for example, but without limitation, a polymer.

Preferably, the audio device 10D includes a user interface device 150configured to transmit user input signals to the interface 116 and/orthe transceiver 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interfacedevice 150 is in the form of a 3-way button. The 3-way button 152 isconfigured to have three modes of operation. Firstly, the button 152 ismounted to pivot about a rocker axis 154. Thus, in one mode ofoperation, the button 152 can be depressed inwardly on a forward end 156of the button 152, thereby causing the button 152 to pivot or “rock”about the pivot axis 154. Additionally, the button 152 can be pressed ata rearward end 158, thereby causing the button 152 to pivot about thepivot axis 154 in the opposite direction. Additionally, the button 152can be mounted so as to be translatable in the medial-lateral direction,identified by the reference numeral 160 (FIG. 11). Appropriate springscan be provided beneath the button 152 to bias the button in an outwardprotruding and balanced position. Appropriate contacts can be mountedbeneath the button 152 so as to be activated individually according tothe modes of operation.

In one illustrative and non-limiting embodiment, the button 152 can beused to control volume. For example, by pressing on the forward portion156, a contact can be made causing the transceiver 114 or the interface116 to increase the volume of the speakers 14D, 16D. Additionally, bypressing on the rearward portion 158 of the button 152, the transceiver114 or interface 116 could lower the volume of the speakers 14D, 16D.

In a further illustrative and non-limiting example, the medial-lateralmovement of the button 152, along the directions identified by the arrow160, can be used to choose different functions performed by thetransceiver 114 or the interface 116. For example, an inward movement ofthe button 152 could be used to answer an incoming phone call where theaudio device 10D is used as an audio interface for a cellular phone.

Optionally, the power source 112 can comprise portions of the ear stems54D, 56D which have been formed into batteries. For example, the rearportions 160, 162 of the ear stems 54D, 56D, respectively, can be in theform of custom made batteries, either disposable or rechargeable.Preferably, the rear portions 160, 162 are removable from the forwardportions of the ear stems 54D, 56D. This provides a particular advantagein terms of balance. As noted above, imbalanced loads on the head cancause muscular pain and/or headaches. In particular, excessive pressureon the nose can cause severe headaches. Additionally, batteries can havea significantly higher mass density than plastic and lightweight metals,such as sintered titanium or magnesium. Thus, by constructing therearward portions 160, 162 of the ear stems 54D, 56D of batteries, theweight of these batteries can improve forward-rearward balance of theaudio device 10D in that the weight of the interface device 110 can beoffset by the batteries. In another embodiment, the ear stems 54D, 56Dcan define a housing for removable batteries.

The audio device 10D can also include power contacts 164 for rechargingany rechargeable batteries connected thereto. For example, the powercontacts 164 can be disposed on a lower edge of the orbitals 48D, 50D.Thus, with an appropriate recharging cradle (not shown), the audiodevice 10D can be laid on the cradle, thereby making contact between thepower contacts 164 and corresponding contacts in the cradle (not shown).Alternatively, power contacts can be provided in numerous otherlocations as desired. For example, the power contacts 164 can bedisposed at the ends of the ear stems 54D, 56D. A corresponding cradlecan include two vertically oriented holes into which the ear stems areinserted for recharging. In this configuration, the lens within theorbitals 48D, 50D would face directly upwardly.

In another alternative, the power contacts 164 are disposed on the upperedges of the orbitals 48D, 50D. In this configuration, the audio device10D is laid in a cradle in an inverted position, such that the contacts164 make electrical contact with corresponding contacts in the cradle.This position is advantageous because it prevents weight from beingapplied to the supports 28D, 30D. This prevents misalignment of thespeakers 14D, 16D.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, in another embodiment, the audiodevice 10C is advantageously adapted to support any of a variety ofportable electronic circuitry or devices which have previously beendifficult to incorporate into conventional headsets due to bulk, weightor other considerations. For example, but without limitation, theelectronics are digital or other storage devices and retrieval circuitrysuch as for retrieving music or other information from MP3 format memoryor other memory devices. The audio device 10C can carry any of a varietyof receivers and/or transmitters, such as transceiver 114. For example,but without limitation, the audio device 10C can carry receivers and/ortransmitters for music or for global positioning. In another example,the audio device 10C can carry receivers and/or transmitters fortelecommunications (i.e., telecommunications devices). As used herein,the term “telecommunications devices” is intended to include telephonecomponents as well as devices for communicating with a telephone. Forexample, “telecommunications devices” can include one or moretransceivers for transmitting an audio signal to a cellular phone to betransmitted by the cellular phone as the speaker's voice, and/or forreceiving an audio signal from a cellular phone representing a caller'svoice. Of course, other audio, video, or data signals can be transmittedbetween the audio device 10C and such a cellular phone through suchtransceivers.

In other embodiments, drivers and other electronics for driving heads-updisplays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniature displaytechnology can also be carried by the audio device 10C. The power source112 can be carried by the audio device 10C. For example, withoutlimitation, the power source 112 can advantageously be replaceable orrechargeable. Other electronics or mechanical components canadditionally be carried by the audio device 10C. In other embodiments,the audio device 10C can also be utilized solely to support any of theforegoing or other electronics components or systems, without alsosupporting one or more lenses in the wearer's field of view. Thus, inany of the embodiments of the audio devices disclosed herein, the lensesand/or lens orbitals can be omitted as will be apparent to those ofskill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.

In another embodiment, a further modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D is provided wherein the audio devices include atleast two banks of microphones, with one bank acting as a speaker ofreceived and one bank providing an ambient noise-cancellation function.The microphone banks can be positioned at any suitable location orcombination of locations (e.g., on the audio device, within the audiodevice, opposing sides of the audio device, or the like). In oneembodiment, automatic switching of the speaking-microphone andnoise-canceling-microphone banks' functions advantageously enhances easeof use. In a further embodiment, the microphone banks can be arranged inan array to be used in conjunction with algorithms to discern, reduce,and/or eliminate noise for the purpose of voice recognition. Forexample, in one embodiment, such microphone banks can include ASIC-basednoise-canceling technology, such as is available in chips from AndreaElectronics Corporation (AEC), to enable voice recognition in ambientnoise up to about 130 Db or more. In another embodiment, microphonebanks can be arranged in any suitable combination of linear ornon-linear arrays to be used in conjunction with algorithms to discern,reduce, and/or eliminate noise in any suitable manner. In anotherembodiment, audio/proximity sensors can advantageously trigger theappropriate functionality in a specific bank. In another embodiment, anoise-canceling microphone can be provided in connection with a cord orother microphones described above. For example, without limitation, aseries of miniature microphones can be supported down a cord from theaudio device, separated by desired distances, and aimed in differentdirections. In another implementation, one or more of the microphonescan be for verbal input from the user, and one or more others of themicrophones, or the same microphone, can also be for noise-cancellationpurposes.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, in another embodiment, thetransceiver 114 is adapted to employ a wide variety of technologies,including wireless communication such as RF, IR, ultrasonic, laser oroptical, as well as wired and other communications technologies. In oneembodiment, a body-LAN radio is employed. Other embodiments can employ aflexible-circuit design. Many commercially available devices can be usedas transceiver 114. For example, without limitation, Texas Instruments,National Semiconductor, Motorola manufacture and develop single RFtransceiver chips, which can use, for example, 0.18 micron, 1.8 V powertechnologies and 2.4 GHz transmission capabilities. Of course, a varietyof transceiver specifications are available and usable, depending on theparticular embodiment envisioned. In another implementation, othercommercially available products operating at 900 MHz to 1.9 GHz or morecan be used. Data rates for information transfer to wearable or othertype computing devices will vary with each possible design. In apreferred implementation, a data rate is sufficient for text display. RFproducts, and other products, ultimately will be capable of updating afull-color display and have additional capabilities as well. Thus,heads-up displays, such as liquid crystal displays or other miniaturedisplay technology described above can be employed.

In another embodiment, a further modification of the audio devices 10,10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D is provided wherein the audio devices can includeand/or communicate with a variety of sensors, including but not limitedto motion, radar, heat, light, smoke, air-quality, oxygen, CO anddistance. Medical monitoring sensors are also contemplated. Sensors canbe directed inwardly toward the user's body, or outwardly away from thebody (e.g., sensing the surrounding environment). Sensors incommunication with the audio devices also can be strategicallypositioned or left behind to facilitate the communication of sensedinformation. For example, a firefighter entering a burning building canposition sensor to communicate the smoke and heat conditions to thatfirefighter and to others at the sensor-drop location. Remote sensorscan also be relatively fixed in position, as in the case of amaintenance worker wearing an audio device that receives various signalsfrom sensors located in machines or other equipment for which the workeris responsible. A blind wearer of audio device can employ a distancesensor to determine distance to surrounding objects, for example, or aGPS unit for direction-finding. Other exemplary sensing capabilities aredisclosed in one or more of the following, all of which are incorporatedby reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,398 to Janik, issued Feb. 9,1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,651 to Janik, issued Feb. 13, 1996; U.S. Pat.No. 5,798,907 to Janik, issued Aug. 25, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,492 toJanik, issued Dec. 3, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,490 to Carroll, issuedSep. 10, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,401 to Carroll, issued Nov. 5,1996.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a further modification of the audiodevices 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, is illustrated therein andidentified generally by the reference numeral 10E. Components that aresimilar or the same as the components of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10B,10C, and 10D, have been given the same reference numerals, except that a“E” has been added thereto.

The audio device 10E includes a microphone boom 180 extending downwardlyfrom the lower end of the support arm 100E. The microphone 124E isdisposed at the lower end of the microphone boom 180.

In the illustrated embodiment, the audio device 110E can include theinterface device 110E at an upper portion of the stem 96E. Inparticular, the interface device 110E can be disposed at the point atwhich the support arm 100E connects to the stem 96E. Optionally, certaincomponents of the interface device 110E can be disposed at a rearportion of the stem 96E, this position being identified by the referencenumeral 110E′.

In this embodiment, the antenna 118E can be disposed in the frame 82E,the stem 96E, the support arm 100E, or the microphone boom 180E.However, as noted above, it is preferable that at least a portion of thesupport 12E is used as the antenna. More preferably, the support 12E ismade from a metal material, such that at least a portion of the support12E is excited by the antenna and thereby forms part of the antenna.

The transceiver 114 can be in the form of a digital wireless transceiverfor one-way or two-way communication. For example, the transceiver 114can be configured to receive a signal from another transmitter andprovide audio output to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16,16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Alternatively, the transceiver 114 can beconfigured to receive an analog audio signal from microphone 75, 124,124D, 124E, convert the signal to a digital signal, and transmit thesignal to another audio device, such as, for example, but withoutlimitation, a cell phone, a palm top computer, a laptop computer or anaudio recording device.

The over-the-head configuration of the audio device 10E advantageouslyallows distribution of the load across a wearer's head, as well aspositioning of relatively bulky or heavy electronics along the length of(i.e., inside) the audio device 10E or at the posterior aspect of theaudio device 10E such as at the occipital end of the audio device 10E.This enables the audio device 10E to carry electronic equipment in astreamlined fashion, out of the wearer's field of view, and in a mannerwhich distributes the weight across the head of the wearer such that theeyewear tends not to shift under the load, and uncomfortable pressure isnot placed upon the wearer's nose, ears or temple regions.

In this embodiment, additional functional attachments may be provided asdesired anywhere along the length of the frame, lenses or orbitals ofthe audio device 10E. For example, earphones may be directed towards thewearer's ear from one or two earphone supports extending rearwardly fromthe front of the eyeglass, down from the top of the audio device 10E orforwardly from the rear of the audio device 10E. Similarly, one or moremicrophones may be directed at the wearer's mouth from one or twomicrophone supports connected to the orbitals or other portion of theaudio device 10E.

With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a communication protocol between theaudio device S, B and the transceiver 114 is described. In thisembodiment, the transceiver 114 is configured for one-way communication.The transceiver includes a receiver and decoder 202 and adigital-to-audio converter 204.

As noted above with reference to FIG. 8, the audio device S, B can beany one of a number of different audio devices. For example, but withoutlimitation, the audio device S, B can be a personal audio player such asa tape player, a CD player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, and the like.Alternatively, where the transceiver 114 is configured only to transmita signal, the audio device S, B can be, for example, but withoutlimitation, an audio recording device, a palm top computer, a laptopcomputer, a cell phone, and the like.

For purposes of illustration, the audio device S, B will be configuredonly to transmit a signal to the transceiver 114. Thus, in thisembodiment, the audio device S, B includes an MP3 player 206 and anencoder and transmitter 208. An antenna 210 is illustrated schematicallyand is connected to the encoder and transmitter 208. As an illustrativeexample, the MP3 player 206 outputs a signal at 128 kbps (NRZ data).However, other data rates can be used. The encoder and transmitter 208is configured to encode the 128 kbps signal from the MP3 player and totransmit it through the antenna 210. For example, the encoder andtransmitter 208 can be configured to transmit the encoded signal on acarrier signal centered on 49 MHz.

The receiver and decoder 202 can be configured to receive the carriersignal of 49 MHz through the antenna 118, decode the digital signal, andtransmit the digital signal to the digital-to-audio converter 204. Thedigital-to-audio converter 204 can be connected to the speakers 14, 16and thereby provide an audio output that is audible to the user.

With reference to FIG. 18, the 128 kbps signal from the MP3 player 206is identified by the reference numeral 212. In one embodiment, theencoder and transmitter 208 can be configured to encode the signal 212from the MP3 player 206. The encoded signal from the encoder andtransmitter 208 is identified by reference numeral 216.

The encoder, and transmitter 208 can be configured to encode each pulse214 of the signal 212 into a pattern of pulses, one pattern beingidentified by the reference numeral 218.

In the lower portion of FIG. 18, signal 220 represents an enlargedillustration of the portion of the signal 216 identified by a circle222. As shown in FIG. 18, the pattern 218 is comprised of a series of 50MHz and 48 MHz signals.

With reference to FIG. 19, a more detailed illustration of thetransceiver 114 is illustrated therein. As shown in FIG. 19, thetransceiver includes a preamplifier 230, a band pass filter 232, and anamplifier 234 connected in series. The preamplifier 230 and theamplifier 234 can be of any known type, as known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The band filter 232, in the present embodiment, can beconstructed as a band pass filter, allowing signals having a frequencyfrom 48 MHz to 50 MHz, inclusive, to pass therethrough. Alternatively,the band filter 232 can be comprised of three band pass filtersconfigured to allow frequencies centered on 48 MHz, 49 MHz, and 50 MHz,respectively, pass therethrough.

The transceiver 114 also includes a signal detector 236 and a systemclock circuit 238. The signal detector 236 comprises three signaldetectors, i.e., a 49 MHz detector 240, a 48 MHz detector 242 and a 50MHz detector 244. The 49 MHz detector 240 is connected to a carrierdetector 246. As is schematically illustrated in FIG. 19, when thesignal detector 236 detects a 49 MHz signal, which corresponds to astate in which no audio signal is being transmitted from the MP3 player206, the carrier detector 246 causes the transceiver 114 to enter asleep mode, schematically illustrated by the operation block 248.

As the detectors 242, 244 detect 48 MHz and 50 MHz detectors,respectively, they output signals to a spread spectrum pattern detector250. The spread spectrum pattern detector outputs a corresponding signalto a serial-to-parallel converter 252. The output of theserial-to-parallel converter 252 is output to a digital-to-analogconverter 204. A “class D” audio amplifier (not shown), for example, butwithout limitation, can be connected to the output of thedigital-to-audio converter 204 to thereby supply an audio signal to thespeakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. It isto be noted that the encoding performed by the encoder and transmitter208 can be in accordance with known signal processing techniques, suchas, for example, but without limitation, CDMA, TDMA, FDM, FM, FSK, PSK,BPSK, QPSK, M-ARYPSK, MSK, etc. In this embodiment, the transceiver 114can operate with a single channel.

With reference to FIG. 20, a dual channel transceiver 1141 isschematically illustrated therein. In this modification, the transceiver114 i is configured to simultaneously receive two signals, one signalcentered on 46 MHz, and a second signal centered on 49 MHz. Thus, thetransceiver 114 i includes four band-pass filters. The first filter 250is configured to allow a signal at 45.9 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz topass therethrough. A second filter 252 is configured to allow signals at46.1 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz to pass therethrough. The third filter254 is configured to allow signals at 48.9 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz topass therethrough. A fourth filter 256 is configured to allow signals at49.1 MHz plus or minus 100 kHz to pass therethrough. As such, thetransceiver 114 can receive two simultaneous signals, as noted above,one being centered at 46 MHz and one being centered at 49 MHz. Thus,this modification can be used to receive two audio signalssimultaneously, for example, left and right signals of the stereo audiosignal.

Each of the transceivers 114, 114 i, illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, can beconfigured to receive one pattern 218, a plurality of different signals218 or only one unique pattern 218. Additionally, as known in the art,the transceiver 114 or 114 i and the encoder 208 can include pseudorandom generators which vary the pattern 218 according to apredetermined sequence. Thus, the receiver and decoder 202 can beconfigured to auto synchronize by recognizing a portion of thepredetermined sequence.

In an application where the transceiver 114 operates according to theBLUETOOTH™ standards, the transceiver 114 communicates with thetransmitter according to a spread spectrum protocol so as to establishcommunication in a short range wireless environment with the minimalrisk of interference with other devices. For example, the transceiver114 can communicate with a BLUETOOTH™ enabled MP3 player, or other audiodevice. The audio device 10C can receive the output signal from theBLUETOOTH™ enabled MP3 player, and then output the audio signals to theinterface 116. Optionally, the signal can be a stereo signal. Theinterface 116 can then direct the left and right audio signals to thespeakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16Ethrough the speaker lines 120, 122.

In accordance with the BLUETOOTH™ standard, for example, but withoutlimitation, the transceiver 114 can operate in a half duplex mode inwhich signals are transmitted in only one direction. For example, at anyone moment, the transceiver 114 can only either receive signals anddirect them to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B,16C, 16D, 16E or transmit signals, for example, from the microphone 75,124, 124D, 124E to another device through the antenna 118, 118D, 118D′.Alternatively, the transceiver 114 can be configured to operate in afull duplex mode in which simultaneous of audio signals are received andtransmitted to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B,16C, 16D, 16E and simultaneously audio signals from the microphone 75,124, 124D, 124E are transmitted through the antenna 118, 118D, 118D′ toa cooperating wireless device.

Further, the interface 116 can include a processor and a memory forproviding added functionality. For example, the interface 116 can beconfigured to allow a user to control the cooperating wireless device,such as a cell phone. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, wherethe transceiver 114 is a BLUETOOTH™ device, the interface 116 can beconfigured to support a hands-free protocol, as set forth in theBLUETOOTH™ hands-free protocol published Oct. 22, 2001, the entirecontents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.Optionally, the interface 116 can be configured to comply with otherprotocols such as, for example, but without limitation, general accessprofile, service discovery application profile, cordless telephonyprofile, intercom profile, serial port profile, headset profile, dialupnetworking profile, fax profile, land access profile, generic objectexchange profile, object push profile, file transfer profile, andsynchronization profile, published Oct. 22, 2001, the entire contents ofeach of which being hereby expressly incorporated by reference.Additionally, the “Specification of the Bluetooth System, Core”, version1.1, published Feb. 22, 2001 is hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

The headset profile is designed to be used for interfacing a headsethaving one earphone, a microphone, and a transceiver worn by the wearer,for example, on a belt clip, with a cordless phone through a wirelessconnection. According to the headset profile, certain commands can beissued from a headset, such as the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B,10C, 10D, and 10E, using an AT command protocol. In such a protocol,text commands must be input to the BLUETOOTH™ device, which theBLUETOOTH™ device then transmits wirelessly to a synchronized BLUETOOTH™enabled device. Such commands include, for example, but withoutlimitation, initiating a call, terminating a call, and redialing apreviously dialed number.

With reference to FIG. 9A, the interface electronics 116 can includeaudio or “aural” menus that can be selected by user. For example, a usercan initiate an audio menu by depressing the button 150 (FIGS. 10-12).Upon initiation of the audio menus, the interface electronics 116 cansend an audio signal to the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16,16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E including a humanoid voice. The voice signal canindicate that a first menu option is available. For example, but withoutlimitation, the first menu choice can be to initiate a call. Thus, whenthe user pushes the button 150 the first time, the user will hear thewords “initiate a call,” emanating from the speakers 14, 14A, 14B, 14C,14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. If the user wishes to initiate acall, the user can depress the button 150 again which will send theappropriate AT command to the transceiver 114 so as to transmit theproper AT code to the cellular phone source device S, B (FIG. 8).

The user can be provided with further convenience if there are othermenu choices available, for example, if the user does not wish to choosethe first menu option, the user can depress either the forward orrearward portions 156, 158 of the button 150 so as to “scroll” throughother audio menu options. For example, other audio menu options caninclude, for example, but without limitation, phonebook, email, clock,voice commands, and other menu options typically available on cellularphones and/or personal audio devices such as MP3 players.

As an illustrative, but non-limiting example, if a user wishes to accessthe phonebook, the user can depress the button 150 to initiate the audiomenu, then “scroll” to the phonebook by depressing the portions 156 or158 until the user hears the word “phonebook” in the speakers 14, 14A,14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Once the user hears theword “phonebook,” the user can depress the button 150 again to enter thephonebook. Thereafter, the user can depress the portions 156, 158 to“scroll” through phonebook entries. As the user scrolls through thephonebook entries, the interface 116 can be configured to cause thecellular phone to scroll through the phonebook and thereby transmit anaudio signal of a humanoid voice indicating entries in the phonebook.When the user hears the name of the person or entity which the userdesires to call, the user can again push the button 150 to initiate acall to that entity.

In this embodiment, the cell phone can be configured with atext-to-voice speech engine which generates a humanoid voicecorresponding to entries of the phonebook. Such speech engines are knownin the art and are not described further herein.

A text-to-speech engine can provide further convenient uses for a user.For example, if the cell phone or other source device is configured toreceive email, the device can be configured to signal the user with anaudio signal that an email has been received. The user can send a signalto the source device so as to open the email. The text-to-speech enginecan be configured to read the email to the user. Thus, a user can“listen” to email through the audio device 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B, 10C, 10D,10E, without manually operating the source device.

A further option is to allow a user to respond to such an email. Forexample, the user could record an audio file, such as, for example, butwithout limitation a .WAV, .MP3 file as an attachment to a reply email.For such a feature, the interface 116 can be configured to automaticallyprovide a user with options at the end of an email that is read to theuser. For example, after the text-to-speech engine finishes “reading”the email to the user, the interface device 116 can enter another audiomenu. Such an audio menu can include a reply option, a forward option,or other options. If a user wishes to reply, the user can “scroll” untilthe user hears the word “reply.” Once the user hears the word “reply”the user can depress the button 150 to enter a reply mode. As notedabove, these types of commands can be issued using an AT commandprotocol, to which the source device will also be configured to respond.As noted above, one audio menu option can include voice command. Forexample, when a user chooses the voice command option, the interfaceelectronic 116 can reconfigure to send an AT command to the sourcedevice, such as a cellular phone, to accept voice commands directly fromthe transceiver 114. Thus, as the user speaks, the audio signal isdirected to the source device, which in turn is configured to issueaudio indicators back to the user, through the speakers 14, 14A, 14B,14C, 14D, 14E, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, to guide the user throughsuch a voice command.

For example, if a user chooses a voice command option, the user couldissue commands such as, for example, but without limitation, “phonebook”or “call alpha.” With a source device such as a cellular phone, that hasa speech recognition engine and that is properly trained to recognizethe voice of the user, the user can automatically enter the phonebookmode or directly call the phonebook listing “alpha,” of course, as isapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, such a voice commandprotocol could be used to issue other commands as well.

In another alternative, the interface electronics 116 can include aspeech recognition engine and audio menus. In this alternative, theinterface electronics 116 can recognize speech from the user, convertthe speech to AT commands, and control this source device using astandard AT command protocol.

For example, but without limitation, the source device B can be in theform of a palm-top or hand-held computer known as a BLACKBERRY™. Thepresently marketed BLACKBERRY™ devices can communicate with a variety ofwireless networks for receiving email, phone calls, and/or internetbrowsing. One aspect of at least one of the present inventions includesthe realization that such a hand-held computer can include atext-to-speech engine. Thus, such a hand-held computer can be used inconjunction with any of the audio devices 10, 10A, 10A′, 10B to allow auser to “hear” emails, or other text documents without the need to holdor look at the device B. Preferably, the hand-held computer includes afurther wireless transceiver compatible with at least one of thetransceivers 114, 114 i. As such, a user can use any of the audiodevices 10C, 10D, 10E to “hear” emails, or other text documents withoutthe need to hold or look at the device B. Thus, a presently preferredhand-held computer, as a non-limiting example, includes a BLACKBERRY™hand-held device including long range wireless network hardware foremail and internet browsing capability, a BLUETOOTH™ transceiver fortwo-way short range audio and/or data audio communication, and atext-to-speech engine.

Preferably, the transceiver 114 is configured to transmit signals atabout 100 mW. More preferably, the transceiver 114 is configured totransmit signals at no more than 100 mW. As such, the transceiver 114uses less power. This is particularly advantageous because the powersource 112 can be made smaller and thus lighter while providing apracticable duration of power between charges or replacement of thepower source 112.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of a preferred constructionhaving certain features, aspects and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention. Accordingly, various changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described arrangements without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

1. An eyeglass comprising: a frame defining at least one lens support;at least a first lens supported by the first lens support; first andsecond ear stems extending rearwardly from the frame, the first ear stemcomprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surfacebeing oriented substantially perpendicular to the first direction, thefirst ear stem being formed to include an elongate cavity disposedtherein, the cavity having an opening extending along the second surfaceof the first ear stem, the first ear stem further including a pluralityof button apertures extending from the cavity to the first surface ofthe first ear stem; an electronic device being received within thecavity of the first ear stem, the electronic device having an audiooutput jack, a microphone, and a wireless transceiver, the audio outputjack being disposed along the first surface of the first ear stem; asupport arm being attachable to the eyeglass at the audio output jack ofthe electronic device to form a first moveable joint, the first moveablejoint providing an isolated pivoting movement, the support arm furtherproviding at least one additional degree of movement other than theisolated pivoting movement, the support arm being attachable to thefirst ear stem at a position anterior to an ear of a wearer, the supportarm being configured with a distal end thereof being adjustable relativeto the first ear stem; a speaker coupled to the distal end of thesupport arm and being selectively adjustable relative to the ear of thewearer; and a plurality of buttons extending from the respective ones ofthe button apertures, the buttons being displaceable relative to thefirst surface with an actuation force applied to the buttons beingoffset by a balancing force applied to the first ear stem, the firstsurface having a width of at least one-quarter of an inch, the buttonsbeing operative to control an aspect of the electronic device.
 2. Theeyeglass according to claim 1, wherein the width is measured in adirection transverse to a longitudinal direction of the ear stem.
 3. Theeyeglass according to claim 2, wherein the width is at least aboutone-half of one-inch.
 4. The eyeglass according to claim 1 wherein theplurality of button apertures comprises first and second apertures onthe second surface and the plurality of buttons includes first andsecond buttons extending through the respective ones of the first andsecond apertures.
 5. The eyeglass according to claim 4, wherein thefirst and second buttons are the only buttons on the first ear stem, thefirst and second buttons being electrically connected to the electronicdevice supported by the first ear stem, the first button beingconfigured to increase the volume of audio output from the electronicdevice, and the second button being configured to reduce the volume ofaudio output from the electronic device.
 6. The eyeglass according toclaim 4 additionally comprising a plurality of buttons disposed on thesecond ear stem.
 7. The eyeglass according to claim 6, wherein theplurality of buttons on the second ear stem comprises at least third andfourth buttons configured to provide a track skip function associatedwith the playback of an audio file in an audio playback device supportedby the frame.
 8. The eyeglass according to claim 7, wherein the audiodevice is an MP3 file format play back and storage device.
 9. Theeyeglass according to claim 7, wherein the third and fourth buttons arealso configured to provide fast-forward and rewind functions associatedwith the playback of an audio file in the audio playback device.
 10. Theeyeglass according to claim 9 additionally comprising a fifth button onthe second ear stem configured to provide power-on and power-off signalsto the audio playback device.
 11. The eyeglass according to claim 1wherein the transceiver of the electronic device is configured tocommunicate with a cellular telephone.
 12. The eyeglass according toclaim 1, further comprising a cover being attached to the first ear stemover the opening to thereby enclose the electronic device within thecavity.
 13. An eyeglass comprising: a frame defining at least one lenssupport; at least a first lens supported by the first lens support;first and second arcuate ear stems extending rearwardly from the frame,the first ear stem comprising a first surface facing a first directionand an arcuate second surface being oriented substantially perpendicularto the first direction, the first ear stem being formed to include anelongate cavity disposed therein, the cavity having an opening extendingalong the second surface of the first ear stem, the first ear stemfurther including a plurality of button apertures extending from thecavity to the first surface of the first ear stem; an electronic devicebeing removably received within the cavity formed in the first ear stem,the electronic device having a microphone, an audio output jack, and awireless transceiver; an adjustable support arm being formed separatelyfrom the first ear stem, the support arm attachable to the eyeglass atthe audio output jack of the electronic device to form a first moveablejoint, the first moveable joint providing an isolated pivoting movement,the support arm further providing at least one additional degree ofmovement other than the isolated pivoting movement, the support armbeing configured with a distal end thereof being adjustable relative tothe first ear stem; a speaker coupled to the distal end of the supportarm and being selectively adjustable relative to the ear of the wearer;and a plurality of buttons extending from the respective ones of thebutton apertures, the buttons being displaceable relative to the firstsurface with an actuation force applied to the buttons being offset by abalancing force applied to the first ear stem, the first surface havinga width of at least one-quarter of an inch, the buttons being operativeto control volume of the speaker and at least one other aspect of theelectronic device.
 14. The eyeglass according to claim 13, wherein thefirst moveable joint allows the speaker to rotate about an axis suchthat the speaker can be moved towards and away from the ear of thewearer.
 15. An eyeglass comprising: a frame defining at least one lenssupport; at least a first lens supported by the first lens support;first and second ear stems extending rearwardly from the frame, thefirst ear stem comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidesurface extending at least partially between the upper and lowersurfaces, the first ear stem being formed to include an elongate cavitydisposed therein, the cavity having an opening extending along the sidesurface of the first ear stem, the first ear stem further including apair of button apertures extending from an interior of the cavity to thelower surface of the first ear stem; an electronic device being receivedwithin the cavity formed in the first ear stem, the electronic devicehaving a microphone, an audio output jack extending to the lower surfaceof the first earstem, and a wireless transceiver; an adjustable supportarm being formed separately from the first ear stem, the support armattachable to the eyeglass at the audio output jack of the electronicdevice to facilitate electronic communication with the electronicdevice, the adjustable support arm having a first moveable jointproviding the support arm with an isolated pivoting movement, thesupport arm further providing at least one additional degree of movementother than the isolated pivoting movement, the support arm beingconfigured with a distal end thereof being adjustable relative to thefirst ear stem; a speaker coupled to the distal end of the support armand being selectively adjustable relative to an ear of a wearer; and apair of buttons extending from the respective ones of the pair of buttonapertures, the buttons being depressible for contacting the electronicdevice to control volume of the speaker and at least one other aspect ofthe electronic device.
 16. The eyeglass according to claim 15, whereinthe buttons are displaceable relative to the upper surface with anactuation force applied to the buttons being offset by a balancing forceapplied to the first ear stem, the lower surface having a width of atleast one-quarter of an inch.
 17. An eyeglass comprising a frame, firstand second ear stems attached to the frame, the first ear stemcomprising a cavity and an outer surface, an electronic device disposedin the cavity, the electronic device comprising a microphone, an audiooutput jack and a wireless transceiver, an adjustable support arm beingformed separately from the first ear stem, the support arm beingattachable to the eyeglass at the audio output jack of the electronicdevice to form a first moveable joint, the first moveable joint allowingthe support arm to pivot relative to the first ear stem and providing atleast one additional degree of movement other than the pivotingmovement, the support arm being configured with a distal end thereofbeing adjustable relative to the first ear stem; and a speaker coupledto the distal end of the support arm and being selectively adjustablerelative to an ear of a wearer, at least one button exposed on the outersurface of the first ear stem, wherein the outer surface is configuredso as to allow a wearer of the eyeglass to pinch the first ear stem whendepressing the button, so as to thereby prevent loads from beingtransferred to the head of a wearer of the eyeglass when the button isdepressed.
 18. The eyeglass according to claim 17 wherein the outersurface comprises first and second outer surfaces facing in generallyopposing directions, the button being exposed on the first outersurface, the eyeglass further comprising a comfortable finger support onthe second outer surface.
 19. The eyeglass according to claim 18,wherein the comfortable finger support has a width that is at leastone-half of one inch.
 20. The eyeglass according to claim 18, whereinthe first outer surface faces generally upward when the eyeglass is wornon the head of a wearer.
 21. The eyeglass according to claim 17, furthercomprising a switch in communication with the button.
 22. An eyeglasscomprising: a frame defining at least one lens support; at least a firstlens supported by the first lens support; first and second ear stemsextending rearwardly from the frame, the first ear stem comprising anouter surface, the first ear stem being formed to include an elongatecavity disposed therein, the elongate cavity having an opening extendingalong at least a portion of the outer surface of the first ear stem; anelectronic device being received within the cavity of the first earstem, the electronic device having an audio output jack, a microphone,and a wireless transceiver, the audio output jack being accessible alongthe outer surface of the first ear stem; a support arm being attachableto the eyeglass at the audio output jack of the electronic device toform a first moveable joint, the first moveable joint providing apivoting movement, the support arm further providing at least oneadditional degree of movement other than the pivoting movement, thesupport arm being attachable to the first ear stem with a distal endthereof being adjustable relative to the first ear stem; a speakercoupled to the distal end of the support arm and being selectivelyadjustable relative to the ear of the wearer; and a button exposed onthe outer surface of the first ear stem, the button being operative tocontrol an aspect of the electronic device, wherein the outer surface ofthe first ear stem is configured so as to allow a wearer of the eyeglassto pinch the first ear stem when depressing the button so as to therebyprevent loads from being transferred to the head of a wearer of theeyeglass when the button is depressed.
 23. The eyeglass according toclaim 22, wherein the outer surface has a width of at least one-quarterof an inch, and the width is measured in a direction transverse to alongitudinal direction of the ear stem.
 24. The eyeglass according toclaim 23, wherein the width is at least about one-half of one-inch. 25.The eyeglass according to claim 22, wherein the outer surface of thefirst ear stem comprises a first surface facing a first direction and asecond surface being oriented substantially perpendicular to the firstdirection, the opening of the cavity extending along the second surfaceof the first ear stem, the first ear stem comprising a button apertureextending from the cavity to the first surface of the first ear stem,the button extending from the button aperture.
 26. The eyeglassaccording to claim 22, wherein the support arm is attachable to thefirst ear stem at a position anterior to an ear of a wearer.
 27. Theeyeglass according to claim 22, wherein the buttons is displaceablerelative to the outer surface with an actuation force applied to thebutton being offset by a balancing force applied to the first ear stem.28. The eyeglass according to claim 22, wherein the first ear stemcomprises a plurality of button apertures and the eyeglass comprises aplurality of buttons extending through the button apertures.
 29. Theeyeglass according to claim 22, wherein the eyeglass comprises first andsecond apertures on the outer surface and first and second buttonsextending through the respective ones of the first and second apertures.30. The eyeglass according to claim 29, wherein the first and secondbuttons are the only buttons on the first ear stem, the first and secondbuttons being connected to the electronic device supported by the firstear stem, the first button being configured to increase the volume ofaudio output from the electronic device, and the second button beingconfigured to reduce the volume of audio output from the electronicdevice.
 31. The eyeglass according to claim 30, additionally comprisinga plurality of buttons disposed on the second ear stem.
 32. The eyeglassaccording to claim 31, wherein the plurality of buttons on the secondear stem comprises at least third and fourth buttons configured toprovide a track skip function associated with the playback of an audiofile in an audio playback device supported by the frame.
 33. Theeyeglass according to claim 32, wherein the audio device is an MP3 fileformat play back and storage device.
 34. The eyeglass according to claim32, wherein the third and fourth buttons are also configured to providefast-forward and rewind functions associated with the playback of anaudio file in the audio playback device.
 35. The eyeglass according toclaim 34, additionally comprising a fifth button on the second ear stemconfigured to provide power-on and power-off signals to the audioplayback device.
 36. The eyeglass according to claim 22, wherein thetransceiver of the electronic device is configured to communicate with acellular telephone.